5 Simple Steps to Follow After a Car Accident
Car Accident Treatment in Milwaukee
With fall approaching and the winter soon to follow, driving conditions will worsen leading to a greater likelihood of being involved in a car accident. Whether you have been in a car accident before or not, they can be stressful and leave you unsure of what to do next. Here at Elite Sport & Spine, we want to help make things clearer for you and help guide you through the stressful time.
Steps to take following a car accident:
- Call the police to report the accident and determine if immediate medical care is needed.
- Take photos for documentation.
- Exchange insurance information with all parties involved, and report to the insurance companies.
- Call Elite Sport & Spine to schedule an appointment for a medical evaluation.
- Seek attorney help if warranted.
Immediately following the car accident, your adrenaline might be high, decreasing any of the effects of the accident. However, the aches and pains usually begin to creep in a few hours after the accident has occurred. These symptoms often progress for days, and even weeks, after the car accident has occurred. This frequently leaves people with questions of what steps to take from here.
Whiplash Injuries
Research shows accidents that occur at speeds of just 10-15 mph can cause whiplash of the spine. This whip-like backward and then forward movement of the spine leads to damage of the muscles and ligaments that provide support. The damage to these structures, if not addressed appropriately, sometimes leads to lifelong symptoms.
Commonly, individuals will visit their primary health care provider immediately following the accident. Some diagnostic imaging of the body is typically performed, and often, doctors prescribe medications to help reduce the aches and pains. These medications can do a wonderful job to reduce symptoms, but ultimately do not correct the damage to the muscles and ligaments of the spine. This is where the chiropractors at Elite Sport & Spine can help! We are experts in treating musculoskeletal injuries following motor vehicle accidents. After the initial exam, you receive an individualized care plan to help you return to 100% as quickly as possible.
When to Involve Insurance & Attorneys
Getting out of pain sounds great, but how can I pay for this? When you shop for auto insurance, one of the components is something called Medical Payments or “Med Pay”. The state of Wisconsin requires at least $1,000 of med pay, unless you choose to opt-out. Med pay helps cover the cost of medical expenses following a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who is at fault. Depending on the amount of med pay you choose in your policy, this dollar amount can be used up quickly, especially if a trip to the hospital was taken following the accident.
In this situation, we strongly recommending seeking out the assistance of an attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents. They assist you in seeking the appropriate care you need. Finally, med pay commonly applies to other situations than only motor vehicle accident injuries. It potentially helps you if you were hit by a car while running or on a bike as well.
If you have been in a car accident in the greater Milwaukee area, contact Elite Sport & Spine to start feeling better.